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Phenobarbital vs. Phenytoin

Phenobarbital treats seizures and is used as a sedative medication. It's a part of the barbiturate drug class. The most common side effect is sleepiness. It's a schedule IV controlled substance due to the risk of dependence. This means if you suddenly stop the medication, you could get withdrawal symptoms like weakness, muscle twitching, or even confusion and disorientation. There are no brand names available anymore, so only generic versions exist.

• Seizures
• Sedation

• Sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Poor balance or coordination

• Dependence and withdrawal
• Drowsiness
• Extreme excitement
• Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
• Harm to newborn babies

Phenytoin (Dilantin) is an antiepileptic medication used to treat and prevent seizures in adults and children. It comes in a capsule, chewable tablet, and liquid suspension that you take by mouth. The dose depends on your age, weight, and how well your seizures are controlled. Common side effects include trouble with coordination, unpredictable eye movements, and sleepiness. You’ll need regular blood tests to avoid toxicity, which is when the amount of medication in your body is too high and could be dangerous.

• Treatment of tonic-clonic seizures
• Treatment of psychomotor seizures
• Prevention and treatment of seizures during and following brain surgery

• Unpredictable eye movements
• Trouble with coordination
• Slurred speech
• Sleepiness
• Confusion

• Withdrawal seizures
• Suicidal thoughts or behavior
• Serious skin and allergic reactions
• Heart problems
• Liver problems
• Lower blood cell count
• Effects on Vitamin D and bone
• Harm to unborn baby
• High blood sugar levels
• High phenytoin levels